Kukla's Korner Hockey

When the Sharks end the regular season today against Vancouver, expect to see Evgeni Nabokov starting in goal - just as he has for 22 of the team’s 25 games since Valentine’s Day.
A season that began with an unconventional goalie rotation is finishing in a more traditional manner. Nabokov, who rode the bench a year ago when Vesa Toskala emerged as San Jose’s playoff netminder, is back in the starting role that a $5 million salary might indicate is rightfully his.
Other numbers help explain why. Nabokov’s 2.25 goals-against average and .915 save percentage are much improved over last season. So is his confidence.